Paris, France – Former President George Weah celebrated football as his lifeblood and the source of his happiness after challenging days at work. He shared these heartfelt sentiments while presenting the Ballon d’Or award to Manchester City midfielder Rodri at the gala held at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris.
By Jaheim T. Tumu – [email protected]
Weah passionately proclaimed, “Football is my life. I still play, and after a tough workday, it’s football that lifts my spirit. I come home and watch my teams—AC Milan, PSG, Juventus, Atletico Madrid, and Tottenham Hotspur. The game made me who I am, and I am forever connected to it.”
Rodri, a pivotal figure for both Manchester City and the Spanish national team, led City to an extraordinary fourth consecutive Premier League title and played a vital role in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph. He triumphed over Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr., who was considered a favorite after winning the Champions League and La Liga last season.
On that memorable night, there was no delegation from Real Madrid, despite their manager, Carlo Ancelotti, winning the Men’s Coach of the Year award. Real Madrid was recognized as Team of the Season, while Kylian Mbappe shared the Gerd Müller Trophy with Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane.
Vinicius Jr. boldly tweeted, “I’ll do it 10 times if I have to. They’re not ready.”
Before the award announcement, Weah spoke on the importance of presenting such a prestigious trophy, urging players who reach the Ballon d’Or stage to express their gratitude.
Reflecting on his remarkable journey, the 1995 Ballon d’Or winner recalled growing up in the challenging environment of Monrovia, where he didn’t initially aspire to win the Ballon d’Or. It was only upon reaching the pinnacle of his career that he pursued the award, guided by the wisdom of coaches like Arsene Wenger.
The former AC Milan forward, known for his speed and scoring prowess, faced civil strife in his homeland. Yet, he shared how the Ballon d’Or played a crucial role in fostering peace and stability in Liberia.
“I am a Ballon d’Or winner from a country ravaged by civil war. Sports became my sanctuary, and the Ballon d’Or helped promote peace in my nation. Today, Liberia is reaping the rewards of that peace,” Weah said.
He credited his success to a few inspiring coaches, including Arsene Wenger, Fabio Capello, and Luis Fernandes, and emphasized the dedication he poured into training, ensuring his place in the history of Ballon d’Or winners.